Medication Instructions

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (Oral)

HFFY#5117

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (Oral)
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (Oral)
The name of your medicine is ______________________________
About Your Medicine
POTASSIUM-SPARING DIURETICS are
commonly used to treat high blood pressure
(hypertension) and heart failure by helping
to reduce the amount of fluid in the body by
increasing the flow of urine. Unlike some
other diuretics, these medicines do not cause
your body to lose potassium.
Spironolactone, triamterene, or
eplerenone may also be used to help
increase the amount of potassium in the
body when it is getting too low. These
medicines may be used for other conditions
as determined by your doctor.
If any of the information in this leaflet
causes you special concern or if you want
more information about your medicine and
its use, check with your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist.
Remember, keep this and all other
medicines out of the reach of children.
Never share your medicines with others.
Before Using This Medicine
Tell your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist if
you:
y Are allergic to any medicine, either
prescription or nonprescription (OTC).
y Are pregnant or intend to become
pregnant while using this medicine.
y Are breast-feeding.
y Compete in athletics (harm can occur if
you are overly dehydrated).
y Are taking any other prescription or
nonprescription (OTC) medicine
especially: angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g.
lisinopril); angiotensin receptor blockers
(ARBs) (e.g. losartan); cyclosporine;
digitalis; lithium; steroids (e.g.
prednisone); NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen);
medicines for appetite control, colds,
cough, hay fever or sinus; potassium
supplements; or other potassium-sparing
diuretics.
y Have any other medical problems,
especially kidney disease, liver disease,
diabetes or menstrual irregularities.
Proper Use of This Medicine
You may notice an increase in urine or
in frequency of urination. In order to keep
this from affecting sleep:
y If you are to take a single dose a day,
take it in the morning after breakfast
y If you are to take more than one dose,
take the last one no later than 6 p.m.
If this medicine upsets your stomach, it may
be taken with meals or milk. If stomach
upset continues, check with your doctor.
Your doctor may want to monitor your
lab values while using this medicine. It is
important for you to attend all scheduled
appointments and lab draws.
FOR PATIENTS TAKING THIS MEDICINE
FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: This medicine
will not cure your high blood pressure but it
does help control it. You must continue to
take it (even if you feel well) if you expect
to keep your blood pressure down. YOU MAY
HAVE TO TAKE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
MEDICINE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE,
take it as soon as possible. However, if it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular
dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
This medicine does not cause a loss of
potassium from your body as some other
diuretics (water pills) do. Therefore, it is
not necessary for you to get extra potassium
in your diet. Too much potassium could
even be harmful. Since salt substitutes and
low sodium milk may contain potassium, do
not use them unless told to do so by your
doctor. Follow the type of diet your doctor
suggests while using this medicine.
Alcohol can add to some of the side
effects of this medicine. It is preferred that
you do not consume alcohol while using this
medicine.
Possible Side Effects of This Medicine
SIDE EFFECTS THAT SHOULD BE REPORTED TO
YOUR DOCTOR
Rare
y Skin rash, hives, itching or facial
swelling
y Change in the amount of urine made
y Chest pain or tightness
y Yellowing of the skin or eyes
y Dark urine or pale stools
y Unusual tiredness
y Confusion
y Unusual bleeding or bruising
SIGNS OF TOO MUCH POTASSIUM
y Irregular heartbeat
y Irritability or anxiety
y Numb or tingling hands, feet or lips
y Shortness of breath or difficult
breathing
y Severe muscle weakness
SIDE EFFECTS THAT USUALLY DO NOT
REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
These possible side effects may go away
during treatment; however, if they continue
or are bothersome, check with your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
y Diarrhea
y Dizziness or drowsiness
y Dryness of mouth or increased thirst
y Nausea, stomach cramps or vomiting
For spironolactone in women:
y Breast tenderness
y Deepening of voice
y Increased hair growth
y Irregular menstrual periods
In men:
y Enlargement of breasts
y Inability to have or keep erection
For triamterene:
y Increased skin sensitivity to sun
Other side effects not listed above may
also occur in some patients. If you notice
any other effects, check with your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
Reproduced, with permission, from the 1989-2010
United State Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. Printed
in 3/2010 by the University of Wisconsin Hospital
and Clinics, Department of Nursing, Madison, WI.
Reviewed by the Department of Pharmacy. UWH
#5117